How To Set And Achieve Your 2021 Goals
“Resolutions” ~ the buzzword that appears at the dawn of every New Year! Many of us rediscover a renewed sense of trust in this word, as we set high targets and make promises to ourselves. After all, what better time to turn over a new leaf and get started on improving yourself than the start of a new month and a new year.
But, have you noticed that a few months into this prospective journey, and most of our “resolutions” are found wanting? That being said, I do support the desire to make new goals and lifestyle changes. So, if you do not want to be that person who hopes for things to miraculously work in your favour sans effort, but instead want to be the person who holds your ground no matter what life throws at you, then I believe that in these tips, you will find some wisdom to understand how to achieve your goals by having an action plan.
Personally, I am continually looking for ways to better my self-awareness and improve my personal growth. So, to help you get inspired and understand how to achieve your goals in 2021, I am sharing my own goals {resolutions} and how I plan on accomplishing them:
Never Lose Sight of Your Goals
A lot of us, who began so enthusiastically pursuing our goals in 2020, took a head blow with a pandemic torpedoing our plans. Nerve-wracking experiences will render you helpless at some point. How to achieve your goals amidst such letdowns is the real test of your character.
I do this by keeping a gratitude journal and treating myself to a daily dose of motivational content; be it articles, videos, or podcasts. As I love tuning in to accounts of successful people to appreciate how they can build upon what they love since it helps me replenish my mental and emotional energy levels that I find myself constantly drained of it. I highly recommend journaling and visualising to help you increase your focus and track your progress, as well.
Fill Your Knowledge Bank
I can go on for hours on topics that stir my interest, like boutique luxury properties that implement sustainable practices, or fashion brands that practice environmental sustainability, or a particular company’s journey towards gender equality… But I am aware that my knowledge in other important areas is lacking. That stops in 2021.
Staying on top of current affairs by reading the newspaper and watching world news, will be one of my priorities. I am also going to be sure-footed in 2021, with my renewed interest in book reading because many of them come with rare and time-tested wisdom for success in life. Remember that investing time in learning about the things you are interested in, plays a big part in realising how to achieve your goals. Additionally, it makes you live smarter.
Maintain A Healthy Lifestyle
You can tick a dozen boxes, but if you fail to tick this one, you will undo the pleasures of your efforts elsewhere. The proverbial “Health is Wealth” is only more accentuated when you make up your mind to take care of your body, physically and mentally, by implementing practices that will improve your relationship with yourself.
For me, this involves meditation, eating healthy, and working out the right way. I know it sounds like a “been there, tried that” list, but making healthy lifestyle changes that also focus on your mental health can really set you up for success daily.
Spend Quality Time with Family
For me, happiness lies in the intimate trifles of life. Unlike working out at the gym or reading a book, spending time with your family doesn’t return concrete benefits. But it translates into an enormous inner peace that lulls you to sleep better at night. This is the reason why I have made up my mind to cut back on my work-related travel in 2021 {ironically, the pandemic took care of that this past year}, and also ensure I do everything I can to be a better partner to Vikram.
The other key aspect that is sure to help you achieve your 2021 goals would be cutting back on mindless consumption ~ coffee dates, brunches, or movie nights with friends, partying at clubs, or even mindlessly watching Netflix ~ which also happens to be something I want to improve on.
Practice Sustainable Living
Perhaps not all the choices you have made in your life have reflected the values of longevity and sustainability, but from 2021 onward, it should. It might not be a technique that helps you learn how to achieve your goals in the New Year, but it’s the least you can do to ensure resources will be protected and maintained for future generations. Case in point: eco-friendly living. I have stopped using plastic bags and bottles entirely, and I shop more locally {visit the local farmers’ market} with recycled cloth bags of my own. Vikram and I take this a step further by ensuring that there is never a light on when we’re not in that room.
As there is always room for improvement, how about taking into account your fashion preferences? Have your choices been myopic? You can pave your way to responsible consumerism by supporting sustainably conscious brands; I intend to do the same. These lifestyle changes will help you reduce your carbon footprint and live mindfully, too.
To conclude: There is no magic formula to understanding how to achieve your goals. It requires you to summon multiple faculties and channelise them towards your action plan for getting there. As a result, you will not only have the ability to make them come true but have them translate positively into every aspect of your life!
With these goals in mind, I know 2021 is going to be my year of improvement and growth. What are your goals for the New Year?